Make Do or Jump Ship? Solo Librarians and Internal Career Advancement Opportunities

by Mahoney, Corinne J.

Abstract (Summary)

Data for this study was collected from a questionnaire sent to a random sample of solo special librarians. Two qualitative interviews with special librarians with solo experience were also conducted. The objectives of the study were to determine if organizations provide internal career advancement opportunities for solo special librarians and to establish whether such opportunities are more prevalent in specific types of organizations.

Analysis of the data suggests that widespread internal career advancement opportunities for solo special librarians do not yet exist. However, the majority of survey respondents also indicated that they would not be interested in an internal change of position. Development within a position, also considered advancement in this study, was the type of advancement most often reported. No significant relationship between organization type and the prevalence of internal advancement opportunities emerged. Several interesting relationships among variables that could impact career planning behaviors are also described.